"A Few Moments with the Pope: Lesbian/Gay Catholics Speak about their Church" - Speakers: Teresa DeCrescenzo, executive director of Gay Lesbian Adolescent Social Services (GLASS), Gregory Maguire, author of more than a dozen novels, most notably Wicked, which was the basis for the Tony-award winning Broadway Musical. Heather Mizeur, delegate representing the 20th District in Maryland and a leader in the debate about legalizing gay and lesbian marriages. Richard Rodriguez, social and cultural commentator, author and Peabody-award winning contributor to PBS News Hour with Jim Lehrer.

"The Global Impact of Pope Benedict's Anti-Gay Campaign" - Speakers: Lourdes Rodriguez-Nogues, Cuban immigrant, lesbian Catholic activist, editor of Out in the Workplace. Brendan Fay, Irish-born gay activist, filmmaker and cofounder of New York's inclusive St. Patrick's Day Parade. Currently involved in an international controversy regarding the unauthorized use of images from his marriage to Dr. Thomas Moulton by Polish President Lech Kaczynski. Jeff Stone, Dignity/New York Steering Committee. Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of DignityUSA.

TUESDAY, APRIL 15: Papal Motorcade Demonstrations LOCATION AND TIME: Press advisory to follow when officials announce time and route.

Demonstrations will be along the Pope's motorcade route through Washington D.C.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16: (5:30 p.m.) Demonstration during Pope's Meeting with U.S. Bishops LOCATION: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (400 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington D.C.)"

When he visits Ground Zero, the Pope will be greeted by a protest vigil honoring Father Mychal Judge, the FDNY chaplain and first official casualty of the 9/11 attacks. Ironically, Fr. Mychal was openly gay, though celibate.

Considered a living saint by many even prior to his heroic death, Mychal often asked, “Is there so much love in the world that we can afford to discriminate against any kind of love ?!”

We have no illusions that this pope is going to change. Rather, we are bearing witness to two truths -- that God created and loves gay people, and that the pope does not speak for the whole Church, the Ecclesia, on these matters.

These truths are being increasingly embraced by Catholics in-the-pews. Fully two-thirds of U.S. Catholics reject the pope’s views and support either civil unions or full marriage rights, according to numerous surveys.

As Fr. Mychal also said, "Don't let the (institutional) church get in the way of your relationship with God."

For more info on Fr. Mychal Judge, "the Saint of 9/11," visit --http://SaintMychalJudge.blogspot.com